Arctic
The formation of the Arctic Ocean and the development of the surrounding continents continue to pose great challenges to science. In order to answer unresolved questions about geodynamics, the formation of mineral deposits and palaeoclimate, the BGR's Circum-Arctic-Structural Events (CASE) research programme is investigating the geology of the land masses along the Arctic Ocean in space and time, also against the background of the current geopolitical situation.
Large areas of the Arctic are still difficult to access and can only be visited for geological studies during the short Arctic summer. This poses particular challenges for research, but also for the necessary logistics. Research in the Arctic always takes place in the territories of the respective nation states in which the researchers are guests. The investigations therefore are done in cooperation with the national geological services and research institutions. This also facilitates the logistical work, as the co-operation with local contacts with relevant experience makes it easier to reach destinations that are often difficult to access.
BGR organises expeditions to the Arctic in national and international cooperation and participates in the development of research strategies in international polar research committees with the overarching goal of better understanding the geodynamic development of the Earth's crust of the circum-Arctic continents and their margins, as well as their palaeoclimate and the environmental development of past geological periods in space and time by combining geoscientific methods. This forms a basis for advising the Federal Government and strengthening Germany's right to have a say in economic, environmental and research policy decisions relating to the Arctic.
Current projects
